| Client: | Municipality of Stahnsdorf |
| Cooperation: | UmbauStadt |
| Activity: | Urban design and open space competition |
| Period: | 2026 |
| Dimension: | 36 ha |
| Location: | Stahnsdorf |
| Contest: | Anerkennung |
The planned extension of the S-Bahn provides an opportunity to create a new, well-connected neighbourhood around the future terminus of the S25 in Stahnsdorf. Together with UmbauStadt, we developed a proposal under the guiding principle of the “Stahnsdorf Mix”, combining urban density with the distinctive landscape qualities of the site.
Characteristic elements such as village greens, courtyards, meadows, woodland edges and open landscape are incorporated and developed into a distinctive landscape framework for the new neighbourhood. The proposal received a commendation in the competition.
Open space as a connecting framework
The green network forms the spatial and ecological backbone of the neighbourhood. South of the S-Bahn line, it connects four residential areas with the central “Stahnsdorf Vielfalt” landscape park while extending into the surrounding countryside. Private residential areas, shared courtyards and greens, green corridors and the park form a finely graduated sequence of open spaces with varying degrees of use and activity.
The landscape park draws on the characteristic landscapes of Stahnsdorf. Extensive meadows, groups of trees and shrubs, vegetated edges, open areas and seasonally wet habitats create a diverse range of spaces for recreation and experiencing nature. A broad belt of vegetation defines the outer edge of the neighbourhood while also acting as an ecological buffer. Site-appropriate, climate-resilient planting strengthens biodiversity and connects individual habitats within a wider ecological network.
Neighbourhood and use
The open spaces are not only ecological infrastructure but also places for everyday life. Shared residential greens form the centres of the individual neighbourhoods, providing space for recreation, social interaction and play. The central landscape park accommodates a wider range of recreational uses and integrates the nursery, community centre and other social facilities directly into the open space network.
Low-traffic residential areas and a closely connected network of walking and cycling routes enhance the accessibility, usability and amenity value of the public realm.
Sponge city and climate adaptation
Rainwater is treated as a resource and retained within the local water cycle wherever possible. Green roofs provide the first level of retention. Swales within courtyards and residential greens, together with interconnected retention areas along the green corridors and within the landscape park, store, infiltrate and evaporate surface water.
Rainwater management is therefore directly integrated into the design of the open spaces. The combination of water-retaining vegetation, shade-providing trees and shrubs, open meadows and seasonally wet areas improves the local microclimate, reduces summer heat build-up and increases resilience to both periods of drought and heavy rainfall. The result is an open space system that brings together everyday use, urban nature and climate adaptation as integral elements of the neighbourhood.
